Happy Father's Day Daddy

This Father's Day I want to share some things about my Dad...and yes...54 years old and I still call him Daddy...it just seems right.

My Dad is one of the 'Good Guys' ....we were raised hearing about the 'Good Guys'...the ones who did the right thing no matter how hard, the ones who put others first, the ones who you would want around when things get tough...yes my Dad is one of those 'Good Guys'.

I love to talk to my Dad...

 He thinks things over a lot...and so he has a lot of good stuff to say.

It's fun to play games with Dad...he taught us cribbage and pinochle...and I think he is the one who taught me to play solitaire!

Dad has a short friend who goes almost everywhere with him...they are quite the pair.

Dad has a soft spot for those who serve and protect...he has taught us all to hold them dear in our hearts...and he has been known to get a bit choked up while sharing a story about some one's sacrifice or service.

 We are all wiser because of the wealth of information that Dad shares with us...he introduces us to topics, ideas, and points of view that help us learn and grow.

Born is San Francisco, the love of that city - in fact in our family we call it 'The City' (is there any other!?) - has been passed down to all of us.

Dad does nice things...like calling Madison to tell her the wisteria is in bloom so she can take a picture, or going to a friend's house and fixing something that is broken or working long hours for Habitat for Humanity to build a family a home.  He has taught us all about service to others and doing something for someone else with a smile in your heart.

My Dad loves his children and grandchildren like no body's business....he gives the best hugs of anyone I know...but the greatest gift my Dad has given to all of us...

is the love and devotion he has given to his bride...Barbara, our beloved Mom and Grammy.  Through his actions he has shown us what real love is... what it looks like, feels like and how it makes everything better.

There are no words, Daddy, to express what you mean to me...I think you know though because you hug me like you do and I can hear the smile in your voice when you say "I love you too" after I've said it to you.

Thank you for all of these things and more...Happy Father's Day

xoxo     Elizabeth Anne

Come and See Us!!!

We are having another boutique this weekend and would love for you to stop by and visit!

Saturday the 18th from 1 to 6 we will be all set up and waiting for company!

With lots of things for you to take a look at...

and if there is something you see that you would like in another colour or such...we do custom orders also....

So come on by the house for some iced tea and have a look around!

Hope to see you - email me if you have any questions

liz_toel@sbcglobal.net

xoxo      Elizabeth

It's That Time Again!

Another ballet!!!  This year the studio - Merced Academy of Dance - is performing Sleeping Beauty - lots of fairies, lots of sparkle, lots of solos!  Don't miss it!

We've broken out the glitter....

we are dying fabric...

the tutu umbrella is being put to good use....

we are making our lists and checking them twice....(no one is naughty, everyone is nice!)

we've gathered the flowers...

Red Riding Hood's basket of goodies is all prepared....

So, don't miss your chance to see just who will be wearing all these beautiful costumes!

The show is Wednesday June 15th and Thursday June 16th at Merced College Theatre - 7pm....

I hope to see you there...I'll be the one with the purple sequin glasses perched on my nose and a thread and needle in my hand!!!

xoxo      Elizabeth

Cheers!!!

Brian loves a good cocktail and we have created a nice bar area in our dining room. Now, I don't mean to make it sound as if the drinking in our family is one-sided...but it sort of is.  I love the taste of fancy cocktails...but I am quite the light weight!  I rarely ever finish even my first drink!  But I do love to try new things and it is fun at parties to make a special drink or come up with non-alcoholic concoctions for the girlies and their friends.

Over the years we have gathered some cute and interesting bar items.

I just love these little guys!

It has been fun during our trips to antique and thrift stores to pick up items here and there.

And sometimes we are gifted some pretty fun things too!

When Brian and I are lucky enough to go on a little trip we like to bring along cocktail fixin's or wine or some such treat.  My mom and dad always had a little travel bar and so when I found this I knew that I needed it for Brian...(had to leave the label on cause it's vintage!)

With some retro images I was able to customize the outside...

It's always five o'clock (cocktail hour) somewhere in the world!

Our own vintage travel bar!!!

Speaking of cocktails....just yesterday I introduced my friend to her first Mojito...my favorite summer cocktail.  As soon as it finally heats up here I will share that recipe with you!  So fresh and cool - perfect for sipping on a hot summer day.

Salute!

xoxo    Elizabeth